ansen Harkins Named to Canada’s IIHF World Under-18

(ISN) – Prince George, B.C. – The Prince George Cougars are pleased to announce that 1997-born forward Jansen Harkins (North Vancouver, B.C.) will represent Canada at the 2015 World Under-18 Hockey Championships which begin on April 16th in Switzerland.

Originally selected by the Prince George Cougars second overall in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, the draft eligible Harkins (6’1″, 180 pounds) has just completed his second full season of a young WHL career that is already full of accomplishments. In 70 games this season, Harkins registered 20 goals and 59 assists for a team-high 79 points. His 59 assists this season made him the all new franchise leader for assists in a single season. He added four points in five playoff games. In 142 career regular season games with the Cougars he has registered 30 goals and 113 points making him just one of four Prince George Cougars to ever reach the 100 career point park during their 17-year-old season. In March, 2015 he received the Dan Hamhuis Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player.

“This is a well deserved honour for a very deserving young man,” said Prince George Cougars Head Coach, Mark Holick. “Every time he’s been given the chance to represent his country, he’s taken full advantage of it, and this time will be no exception.”

In the summer of 2014, Harkins played a big role in helping lead Canada to a gold medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament which was held in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He scored two goals and added four assists in five tournament games. In January, 2014 he captained Team Pacific to a Silver Medal at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Championships.

Holick adds, “We have the utmost confidence that he’ll be a first-class representative of the City of Prince George, and the Prince George Cougars.”

As the 2015 NHL Draft creeps closer, Harkins’ draft-stock continues to rise. Earlier this week, he was ranked as the 15th best North American skater on NHL Central Scouting’s Final List for North American players, and his strong play down the stretch combined with an invite to the World Under-18’s should only help his cause.

Team Canada will kick off tournament play on April 16th against Latvia, and will also face the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Finland in the round robin portion of the event. Canada is looking for their fourth gold medal at the event.

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